Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme, providing free travel, accommodation, and amenities for elderly citizens to visit the 12th-century Jagannath Temple. The scheme was unveiled in Nabarangpur district and simultaneously in Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur, and Berhampur. Around 500 devotees from five districts have embarked on a journey to Puri under this initiative.
The state government aims to facilitate darshan for 5,000 beneficiaries this year and plans to enable over one lakh eligible beneficiaries to visit the shrine in the next four years. The scheme includes senior citizens aged 60 to 75 from economically weaker sections and widows up to 75 years old. Beneficiaries are offered travel in AC buses, accommodation at Puri Brundabati Nivas, and Mahaprasad intake.
CM Majhi emphasized the importance of ensuring unhindered access to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. He expressed the vision that every Odia should have the opportunity to visit the Lord at least once in their lifetime with dignity. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Nabarangpur district, aiming to provide advanced healthcare facilities within the district and reduce the need for residents to seek treatment outside.
The medical college and hospital in Patalguda, Nabarangpur, will cover more than 50 acres, offering 100 MBBS seats and 420 beds. With the establishment of this medical college, residents will have access to modern healthcare facilities locally. Within 20 months of his tenure, three new medical colleges have become operational, with promises for four more. Plans are underway to establish medical colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak districts.
CM Majhi inaugurated 177 developmental projects worth over Rs 446 crore for Nabarangpur district, including projects in education, healthcare, roads, bridges, hostels, forest protection committees, and anganwadi centers. These initiatives are expected to further boost the district’s development.
